1800 Federal St, Corner 18th St.
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 334-BEER

Two-fisted bar food with sledge hammer flavors. Great beer selection. A quirky yet talented chef, Scott Schroeder, who refuses to cut sandwiches in half and who uses processed Krab instead of fresh crab just to piss off foodies. In other words, one of my favorite lunch places that, thanks to their new patty melt , might become my favorite.

The patty melt is as good as it gets. LaFrieda ground beef grilled a perfect medium rare, sautéed onions and a blend of swiss and american cheese on grilled marbled rye. Twice grilled and, thanks to the patty, onions and cheeses, thrice greasy.

Onion rings  - beer battered and fried - come by the bowlful with a side of spicy ranch dressing.  The ranch dressing is good, but not needed. The onion rings stand on their own. 

Lots of great sandwiches.  Upper right, braised pork with boursin. Below that the Jack Bosch grilled cheese sandwich with tomato and red onion. According to the Philadelphia City Paper it is the same grilled cheese sandwich that two former generations of Schroeders downed regularly at a Detroit area golf course.

Note: It is best not to become too attached to any sandwich, such as my beloved patty melt. Whim rules here. I am likely taking it paranoically personally, but it seems every time I rave about a sandwich it is soon dropped from the menu only to return after I have abandoned all hope of every eaing it again.

April, 2012